The WTO in Buenos Aires: The outcome and its significance for the future of the multilateral trading system

The conclusion of the World Trade Organization's ( WTO ) Buenos Aires ministerial conference (10–13 December 2017) was immediately celebrated and derided in equal measure. For its supporters, Buenos Aires opened the way toward negotiations in e‐commerce, investment facilitation for development, and measures designed to help micro, small and medium sized enterprises ( MSME s). For its detractors, the meeting underscored the gridlock that...